POTATO MARKET QUIET

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 507, 9 November 1928, Page 12

POTATO MARKET QUIET

COUNTRY STILL BUYING CHEAP ONIONS IN SIGHT Steady trading is recorded in grain* seed and produce circles with no line giving cause for special concern. There are still a few odd lots of old season’s potatoes on the Auckland market and fair parcels have been sent out in response to country orders over the week. The Wingatui from the South yesterday brought from COO to 700 sacks of old potatoes, but the bulk of this was seed, for which there is still a steady demand for late sowings. It would be safe to predict that business in old season’s potatoes will be over by the end of next week. At the moment, spot quotations for old potatoes show a wide variation, making up to 12s 6d a cwt for the best grade. Pukekohe growers asked 19s Cd to 20s a cwt for storekeepers’ lots yesterday.

Fewer Onions Selling The high price of onions has been responsible for a. considerable .tailing off in consumption, and, although spot stocks are not heavy, they are sufficient to meet all immediate requirements. The small consignments of old season’s Brown Spanish which landed from across the other side of the Tasman during the past fortnight, have not turned out too satisfactorily, sprouting, among other things, detracting from their quality. These have sold through store at around 25s a cwt. The first consignment of Melbourne Globes is due here about November 20, when a limited quantity will be available at prices in the vicinity of 27s cd a cwt. Cheaper onions will be offering in December. At the moment the price for best quality onions varies from 35s to 37s Cd a crate or bag. Maize Market Quiet The position in regard to maize is unchanged. Stocks on the spot are not heavy, but it is reported that there is a fair quantity booked to come forward during this month and early in December. Some merchants are inclined to think that until this is cleaned up that there will be little movement in the market. There is a healthy demand for the yellow cereal through Auckland stores at the moment at 6s 6d a bushel. Small parcels are still available in the Bay of Plenty at 5s 4d f.o.r. Oats and chaff are causing little concern at unchanged prices. B Gartons sell through store at 4s 8d a bushel, with A’s 3d dearer. Chaff is offered at up to £9 10s for best quality. Wheat is stationary, with spot quotations steady at 7s 8d a bushel. KAURI GUM BOARD ELECTION OF MEMBERS At the monthly meeting of the Kauri Gum Control Board held this week, it was decided to issue a monthly circular to producers giving particulars of the board’s operations and the ruling prices. The Department of Lands intimated that the election of the producers’ representatives (who held office for two years) would be held on February 20, 1928, and that nominations would be received up to January 11. Mr. Gilbert Anderson, secretary of the board, had been appointed returning officer.